WORK has begun to demolish a former popular pet store which is set to be replaced with a new new shop.

Seapets, in Tollgate Road, Stanway, shut a year ago with no warning with bosses leaving a note in the window saying all animals had been rehomed.

The Tollgate Partnership was given the green light to demolish the store and replaced it with a modern building.

The firm also want to make improvements to the car park.

No tenant for the building has been announced yet but it is hoped the new store will create between 15 and 35 jobs.

Jeremy Hagon, who runs community site The Stanway Channel, said: “It is great to see the former Seapets site cleared with a clear view to rebuild and reinvest in Stanway.

“With the ongoing housing developments taking shape in the area, more jobs are certainly needed and welcomed.”